Barber confirms plan to seek reelection

Barber, a Tucson Democrat, told a reporter earlier this week that while he is taking steps to run, he was uncertain he’ll do so. Wednesday morning, Barber issued a short statement confirming his intent to try to keep his post.

“I am focused on doing my job, serving Southern Arizona — not re-election. There will be plenty of time next year to talk about the campaign — but let me be clear — I will be running and am putting everything in place to win,” the statement says.

Barber represents Arizona’s 2nd Congressional District, which includes much of Tucson and other parts of Southeastern Arizona.

He first won the seat held by his former boss, Gabrielle Giffords, in a special election after she resigned in January 2012 to focus on recovering from injuries she suffered in a mass shooting.

Barber beat Republican Martha McSally in the November 2012 race. McSally and fellow Republicans Ed Martin and Shelley Kais have already announced their candidacies.